# On the Historical Dormancy and Formal Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the revival of their ancient title, following its formal recognition after 620 years of dormancy, reconnecting a modern house to its Norman origins and a legacy of service to Crown and community.
## The Occasion
The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in the autumn of 2022, an occasion marked not by public ceremony but by its formal entry into the United Kingdom's official public record. This quiet, documentary affirmation stands in contrast to the often turbulent history of the title itself, which has been witness to civil wars, dynastic succession, and centuries of silent integration within the holdings of the Crown.
The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* represented the culmination of extensive genealogical and historical research, thereby calling the barony out of a long abeyance. It is an event that underscores the enduring nature of English heritable titles and the meticulous legal and heraldic processes that govern their descent, even across extraordinary spans of time.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the older Norman lordships in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a significant presence in the region from the earliest days of the Norman era.
Over the centuries, the barony passed to several notable figures who have left an indelible mark on English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable woman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon Gaunt’s death in 1399, the barony was absorbed into the Crown when his son ascended the throne as King Henry IV, beginning a dormancy that would last for more than six centuries.
## The Line of Succession
The title is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has assumed the mantle of this distinguished lineage. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is Lord of Brattleby by marriage and shares in the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the House.
The heir to the title is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they represent a direct link to the barony's medieval origins and are the custodians of its future, ensuring its traditions of honour and service are carried forward into the 21st century.
## The Process of Recognition
The revival of a dormant barony is a complex matter of English law and custom. It necessitates the presentation of an unimpeachable genealogical case to the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms, to prove a direct and legitimate claim. This process is forensic in its detail, requiring painstaking documentation to bridge the centuries and demonstrate the continuity of the bloodline.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this process concluded with official recognition by the Crown, which was formally announced in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. This publication is the legal *sine qua non* for the revival, serving as the definitive public record of the title's re-establishment.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values of the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its coat of arms and motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase serves as a guiding principle, reflecting the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the profound sense of duty that has defined the barony throughout its history.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House motto. It speaks not to martial conquest but to the modern challenges of overcoming obstacles, building a meaningful legacy, and applying a determined spirit to the pursuit of philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the title comes a renewed and solemn commitment to public service, a modern interpretation of the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige*. The House's philanthropic work is focused on supporting vulnerable children and creating opportunities for personal development, reflecting a belief that a title's true worth is measured in its positive impact on society.
The primary beneficiary of the House's efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and a more hopeful future. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the House, is its principal fundraising event for this vital cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To assume this title is not a claim to privilege, but an acceptance of duty. We are temporary custodians of a history stretching back to the Conquest, and our responsibility is to honour the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye through meaningful service today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides our foundation, but our purpose is fixed firmly on the future. We see this revival as an opportunity to build, to contribute to the community in Lincolnshire, and to support causes that offer healing and hope to the next generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that its revival is the start of a new chapter of active contribution. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a cornerstone of its charitable calendar, gathering support for children in need while fostering a spirit of community and generosity.
In addition, the House continues to develop its international initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy serves as a cultural bridge, promoting the social graces and values of courtesy and respect that are hallmarks of European tradition. These endeavours, both local and international, will carry the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby forward with purpose and commitment.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a modern expression of ancestral duty through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on charities supporting the welfare and mental health of vulnerable children. Its seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral home of the barony, and its work is furthered by international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in the county of Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the title has been associated with significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two successive Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After 1399, the barony became dormant and was held by the Crown for 620 years. Its revival was formally recognised and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, re-establishing one of England’s historic Norman titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The barony was created in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Historic holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's humanitarian work is primarily focused on supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child through its Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com